Nanaimo
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $393
Captain
Andrew Turkstra
Nanaimo, Canada
Angler's choice
100+ reviews
I have been fishing all my life. Many had suggested I become a fishing guide, so I took their advice and after working for a number of different fishing charters on the west coast of Vancouver Island, I started my own business called Reel Time Fishing Charters. With a passion for boating, fishing and the enjoyment of helping people catch fish, there has been no looking back!
Charter
Rating
4.8
183 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience
Anglers' gallery (121)
What anglers say
97%
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
97%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
99%
Satisfied with the boat
89%
Caught fish
All reviews (183)
Showing 1 – 5 of 183 reviews
Mel Savard5.0VerifiedBelle sortie de pêche !
4 Hour Trip – In Season • 4 adultsLe capitaine Turk a été aux petits soins avec nous et travaillait fort pour que l'on puisse attrapé de belles prises. Il a répondu à toutes nos questions. Nous y allions pour la pecau saumon, malheureusement la chance n'était pas pour nous. par contre nous avons pêché 1 grosse morue lingue et un autre poisson dont j'ai oublié le nom. (je suis débutante en pêche) ça a mordu plusieurs fois, donc tout le monde sur le bateau a pu avoir la sensation d'attraper de gros poisson. je recommande chaudement pour une belle sortie dans l'océan.
Reported catch:
Dick DalhuisenRepeat angler5.0VerifiedNEWBest of the bunch
4 Hour Trip – In Season • 3 adultsWe did 3 different charters. Andrew was the best of the bunch.. We had a great time. He put us on lots of fish. Was very professional and lots of fun. We would definitely recommend Reel Time charters...
Response from CaptainHey thanks Dick, safe travels and enjoy the fish 🙂
Connie Wu5.0VerifiedFun Fishing Trip
4 Hour Trip – In Season - 1:00 PM • 4 adults • 1 childCaptain Andrew took us out fishing, and he was professional, knowledgeable, and experienced. We had a fantastic time on the water and really enjoyed the trip. If you're prone to seasickness, be prepared—the boat can get quite rocky depending on the conditions. Overall, it was a great experience, and we'd recommend it!
Response from CaptainThanks Connie hope the fish tasted good ::)
David Sweigert5.0VerifiedA Most Splendid Outing!!!
6 Hour Trip - In Season • 6 adultsAside from perfect weather, and everyone in our party catching a good size Chinook, the captain and crew were very amiable, helpful, and supportive of the rookie fisherpersons on board. Our 6-person group was unimous agreement that this was the best crew and fishing charter anywhere, ever!
Reported catch:
Andrea Cameron5.0VerifiedFish On!
4 Hour Trip – In Season - 1:00 PM • 4 adultsCaptian Turk and Josh were amazing hosts! They kept the vibe light and worked hard to find us fish to bring in the boat and they did! Big thank you for such a memorable day. We did a 4hr charter, perfect for getting a taste of ocean fishing!
Response from CaptainHey thanks so much Andrea :)
Real catches shared by our community
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
- Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine ToursNanaimo, BC
What's biting with Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours in Nanaimo
Early fall sees the arrival of Chum Salmon. Other Salmon species are still high in numbers but their peak season is slowly coming to its end.
Top catches for October
Fishing reports
Good Coho fishing continues in Nanaimo
Jul 1, 2026 • Nanaimo
During the past month, Coho salmon fishing in Nanaimo has remained steady. On Canada Day, with calm water and warm temperatures, the bite seemed a little off. However, with some patience and perseverance, we were still able to get our great group of youngsters into a few fish they could take home for dinner.
With dinner aboard, we changed tactics and tried going for lingcod. Instead, we ended up catching some of the largest Quillback and Cooper Rockfish I have ever seen. A fun filled afternoon of fishing with lots of new experiences.
Looking for something to do while visiting Nanaimo or surrounding area? Consider a fishing adventure with Reel Time Fishing Charters. Take in the stunning beauty of Pacific Northwest while taking on some world class salmon fishing. Book a trip with us today :)
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Best Lingcod & Coho Fishing in Years
Jun 11, 2026 • Nanaimo
Over the past week, we have seen some great numbers of Coho Salmon moving through Nanaimo. When it comes to salmon, many people prefer these fish as they are excellent fighters and taste good too. In fact, Coho fishing has been so good that we've been able to split many of our half day trips up, allowing us to spend the remainder of the trip on the other fish that has been quite prevalent this year, Lingcod.
If you have never fished Lingcod, they are an excellent sport fish. They can grow fairly large with some weighing over 20 kgs (40 lbs). The larger fish can definitely put up a good fight. But the what most people like about Lingcod is the taste. Lingcod are a white meat although some may have a tinge of green or blue to them. They make excellent fish-n-chips but also bake well in the oven using your favorite spices.
Looking to enjoy a wonderful morning or afternoon on the water while catching some of the best eating fish in the Pacific Northwest. Book your next trip with Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours.
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Best Lingcod Fishing in Years
May 16, 2026 • Nanaimo
As we always say, May is the month for Lingcod. And this year has proven to be exceptional. On almost every charter this month, we have limited or nearly limited out on these great fighting, great eating fish. Our four hour trips are producing good size fish close to shore. Our off-shore 6 hour trips are producing smaller fish but better numbers.
If you are looking to take in some breath-taking beauty while catching some of the oceans best eating fish, book a trip with Reel Time today.
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May is the Month for Lingcod
Apr 27, 2026 • Nanaimo
May is the Month for Lingcod
They may be ugly, even scary looking. However, many anglers would say that Lingcod are the best eating and best fighting white meat fish found in the waters around Vancouver Island. And May is the month we start fishing for them.
These fish are primarily found near the bottom or on the edge of structure. Techniques for catching them vary. At Reel Time, we mostly troll for them with large swim baits. We catch them in water as shallow as 50 ft or as deep as 200 ft.
Our most popular half-day trips (4 hours) for lingcod usually mean 30 minutes of travel time each way allowing for approximately 3 hours of fishing. However, for better chances at more and larger fish, I recommend a 6-hour charter. These trips allow us more travel time to areas that are more productive. The scenery on these trips is also quite stunning.
If you are looking for an adventure that offers an opportunity to hook a legendary monster while experiencing the beauty of British Columbia’s west coast, book your lingcod adventure with us today. Chances are good, you won’t be disappointed.
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Winter Salmon Fishing Specials aboard Re
Jan 2, 2026 • Nanaimo
Winter Salmon Fishing Specials, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC
With the dawning of a new year comes the start of a new salmon fishing season. And the months of January through March offer some fantastic action for the kings of the Pacific Northwest, Chinook Salmon.
Chinook salmon taken during this time of year are often between six to ten pounds with the occasional fish coming in at the low to mid teens. They look good, fight good and taste good. Our mild climate along with clear blue skies and snow capped mountains in every direction make for lasting life memories.
Book your winter salmon fishing trip today. Our discounted winter charters are reasonably priced with 5% going back into salmon restoration projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation (https;//psf.ca). Our guides, Captain Turk and Captain Josh are friendly, transport Canada certified and have a life-time of experience. Chances are good you’ll be back.
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May is the Month for Lingcod
May 1, 2025 • Nanaimo
May is the Month for Lingcod
They may be scary looking, but they sure are tasty. In fact, if I had to choose between halibut or lingcod, I’d pick lingcod any day of the week. Problem is, I have always found them to be a little tricky to catch. So, when I do fish for them, I check tides and tide tables religiously. Once fishing, I work ledges and drop-offs keeping my bait as close to the bottom as possible.
The preferred method by many is jigging for lingcod. I like trolling for them using 4 to 8 oz swimbaits. It’s a lot of work and you must be on your toes since you are constantly bringing gear up and/or dropping it back down. But it can be a very effective way of hooking these “bucket heads” as they are sometimes called.
On opening day this year, my group of two and I were greeted by a beautiful sunny morning. Knowing I just missed the tide change on an ebb tide, I choose to fish the northwest side of Gabriola. Trolling two of my favorite 4 oz swimbaits, I watched my depth as I began to work an edge. Once alongside of Gabriola Island near the old Cannery, we finally started having some action. Unfortunately, our customers where Quillback, Cooper Rock Fish, and a very nice Yellow Eye and an undersized Lingcod. We still hadn’t found our prize fish.
With about an hour left in the trip, I was bringing up the gear as the depth changed from 160 to 90 feet when I noticed a slight bounce on the portside rod. I grabbed the rod yanking the line off the clip. I quickly handed the rod over to my guest and asked, “feel any better this time?” “Oh yes” was the reply. Five minutes later, we had our first nice lingcod aboard. Oh yeah!
If you enjoy eating white meat from the ocean, Lingcod is the way to go. And, with salmon closed until the beginning of June, it is all we’ll be fishing for. As I tell my guests, May is the month for Lingcod.
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